Blog Post 3

There is definitely variety when it comes to how Chevelle's "The Red" can be broken down into context. What really helps to shape everything though are, most importantly, the lyrics. Understanding the literacy to song is an important key in how we may perceive the artist and their video. "The Red" is communicating anger, and how problematic it is in society. When you're looked at differently, or targeted, the "red" occurs, hence "They say freak/when you're singled out/the red/well, it filters through". So, being looked down to instead of not being judged increases his anger when he sees red.

The tone to these lyrics are clearly defined as being serious words, and can really only be taken in their specified voice. He wants everyone to know that he's angry and that he's not any different than you or me. "So lay down, the threat is real/when his sight goes red again". In this section of the song, Chevelle is expressing that the anger is nothing but real, and there is no joke to be intended. I also think that in todays world, such aspects like attending an anger management class are a little more accepted than what they used to be. Fifty years ago, attending a meeting specifically for anger would a) probably not be around and b) the person would be looked at as crazy, or mental.

So, why does he think he is being judged upon being different? Maybe from society putting up so many expectations on what is considered "normal" today. Those who may attend anger management classes, as seen in the video, are looked upon as being different because they may not be able to "control" themselves as well as others. As far as we know, this is definitely true about how we view others. We judge when we shouldn't, and we don't really understand the problems that arise from the anger occuring.